15/07/2026
Anaphylaxis isn't just "a severe allergic reaction."
It's a life-threatening, systemic event. In an allergic reaction, histamine, white blood cells and other mediators are released to target the offending agent. In anaphylaxis, mast cells and basophils flood the body with these mediators.
Anaphylaxis has a rapid onset. Minutes to hours after exposure, not days.
It's as simple as this: 1+1 = anaphylaxis.
Two or more systems: skin or mucosa, respiratory, circulatory, gastrointestinal.
Now, it's not just any old symptom. Sometimes breathing quickly is ASR, or vomiting a local reaction.
What we're actually looking for:
Skin/mucosa: hives, itching, flushing, swelling
Respiratory: Abnormal breath sounds, hoarseness, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, wheezing, persistent or repetitive cough, shortness of breath,
Circulatory: fast heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, fainting, pale cool clammy skin, cyanosis
Gastrointestinal: Severe, crampy, abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, repetitive vomiting and/or diarrhoea, pelvic or uterine cramps
One symptom alone isn't anaphylaxis. Anxiety isn't either.
Untreated, anaphylaxis is deadly.
Most cases follow re-exposure — food, stings, medications, latex. First-exposure reactions happen too, but they're the exception.
In the field, recognizing and treating anaphylaxis promptly saves lives.
Know the signs. Know the plan. Save this post so you have it when it matters.
Explore our Austere Medicine programs, certified by AEMED.
